What is Bas Rutten's full birth name and date of birth?

Bas Rutten's full birth name is Sebastiaan Rutten, and he was born on February 24, 1965.

Where was Bas Rutten born, and what other nationality does he hold?

Bas Rutten was born in Tilburg, Netherlands. He became a naturalized American citizen in the late 1990s.

What was Bas Rutten's nickname, and what does it mean in Spanish?

Bas Rutten's nickname is El Guapo, which translates to "The Handsome One" in Spanish.

What were some of the health issues Bas Rutten experienced as a child?

As a child, Bas Rutten suffered from eczema and severe asthma, which limited his ability to participate in physical activities and led to him being skinny.

How did Bas Rutten's childhood experiences with bullying influence him?

Bas Rutten was bullied frequently as a child. He learned to evade his bullies by climbing trees and jumping between them, and he also later sought out and confronted his bullies.

What event sparked Bas Rutten's interest in martial arts at the age of 12?

Bas Rutten's interest in martial arts was sparked after seeing the Bruce Lee movie *Enter the Dragon* at a local cinema during a family vacation in France.

What martial arts did Bas Rutten train in during his youth and early adulthood?

Bas Rutten began training in taekwondo at age 14 and later earned a black belt. He also trained in Kyokushin karate, achieving a 2nd-degree black belt in both disciplines.

How did Bas Rutten's kickboxing career begin and end?

Bas Rutten began kickboxing at age 20 and competed in 16 matches, winning the first 14 by knockout. He lost his final two fights, deciding to end his kickboxing career after criticism for one particular match.

What was the outcome of Bas Rutten's kickboxing match against Frank Lobman for the European Muay Thai title?

In his kickboxing career, Bas Rutten lost to Frank Lobman for the European Muay Thai title in 1991 via first-round knockout, a fight he entered unprepared and under the influence.

What notable incident occurred during Bas Rutten's kickboxing match against Rene Rooze?

During his kickboxing match against Rene Rooze, Rooze bit Rutten's ear, prompting Rutten to respond with a knee to the groin, which led to a brawl.

How did Bas Rutten get involved in mixed martial arts (MMA)?

Bas Rutten was scouted by Chris Dolman and invited to train at the Fighting Network RINGS Holland dojo. He was later chosen by Pancrase founders Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki after they saw him knock out a RINGS champion in sparring.

What was Pancrase, and what were its rules regarding striking?

Pancrase was an early MMA organization founded by Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki. It was a precursor to modern MMA and featured fighting with no closed-fisted strikes to the face.

Describe Bas Rutten's debut fight in Pancrase in September 1993.

In his Pancrase debut against Ryushi Yanagisawa, Bas Rutten secured a quick victory by knockout with palm and knee strikes in just 48 seconds, a brutal finish that left Yanagisawa hospitalized.

What was Bas Rutten's first loss in Pancrase, and what did he learn from it?

Bas Rutten's first loss in Pancrase was against founder Masakatsu Funaki, who submitted him with a toehold. This loss highlighted Rutten's lack of groundfighting experience, prompting him to focus more on grappling techniques.

How did Bas Rutten defeat Minoru Suzuki in their 1994 match?

Bas Rutten defeated Minoru Suzuki by knocking him down with a body kick, defending against submissions, and then finishing him with a knee strike to the liver on the ground.

Who was the opponent in Bas Rutten's first fight against Ken Shamrock, and what was the outcome?

Bas Rutten's first fight against Ken Shamrock was at UFC 20, where he won a split decision to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion.

What was the controversy surrounding Bas Rutten's UFC Heavyweight Championship win against Kevin Randleman?

The controversy stemmed from the judges' split decision win for Rutten, as some fans and professionals felt Randleman had done enough to win, and judging criteria were not standardized at the time.

Why did Bas Rutten vacate his UFC Heavyweight Championship?

Rutten vacated the title to attempt to become the first person to hold UFC titles in two weight classes, aiming to move down to middleweight (now light heavyweight).

What injuries forced Bas Rutten to retire from MMA competition in 1999?

While training for a subsequent UFC fight, Rutten suffered multiple serious injuries, including a blown-out knee, a torn biceps, and a neck injury, forcing him to retire on doctor's orders.

What is Bas Rutten's signature fighting tactic that he popularized in MMA?

Bas Rutten popularized the liver shot, using both punches and kicks to damage the opponent's liver, which was one of his favorite tactics.

How did Bas Rutten's background as a bouncer influence his fighting style?

His experience as a bouncer, where he often had to fight multiple opponents, led him to use palm strikes and forearms instead of closed fists to protect his hands, which proved effective under Pancrase rules.

What martial arts disciplines contributed to Bas Rutten's striking style?

His striking style was influenced by the Dutch school of Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo, described as aggressive yet deceptively technical.

What was Bas Rutten's record in the UFC, and what notable achievement did he have there?

Bas Rutten was undefeated in his UFC career with a record of 2-0. He won the UFC Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first Dutch champion in UFC history.

When was Bas Rutten inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, and in which wing?

Bas Rutten was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015, in the "Pioneers" wing.

What was Bas Rutten's final MMA fight, and what were the circumstances?

His last MMA fight was in May 2006 against Ruben Villareal in the World Fighting Alliance, which Rutten won by technical knockout due to leg kicks. He later tested positive for hydrocodone, morphine, and diphenhydramine.

In which Japanese professional wrestling promotions did Bas Rutten compete after his Pancrase tenure?

Bas Rutten competed in Japanese professional wrestling promotions such as Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye and Battlarts, and also in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

What role did Bas Rutten play in the video game *Grand Theft Auto IV*?

Bas Rutten had a cameo appearance on the in-game TV show "The Men's Room" and also provided motion capture for the main character's fighting moves.

What was Bas Rutten's role on the TV show *Inside MMA*?

From 2007 to 2016, Bas Rutten was the co-host of *Inside MMA* on AXS TV, providing commentary and analysis for the sport.

What is the significance of the "Rutten Jump"?

The "Rutten Jump" was Bas Rutten's signature victory celebration, where he would perform a jumping split on each side of the ring after winning a fight, which became his trademark.

What is Bas Rutten's current involvement with Karate Combat?

Bas Rutten currently works as a commentator for Karate Combat (KC) and was appointed as its Chairman in June 2023.

What martial arts certifications does Bas Rutten hold as an instructor?

Bas Rutten is certified as an instructor in MTBN Thai Boxing, mixed martial arts, and Krav Maga.

What was Bas Rutten's role in the HBO documentary *The Smashing Machine*?

Bas Rutten coached Mark Kerr during the filming of the HBO documentary *The Smashing Machine*.

What team did Bas Rutten coach in the International Fight League (IFL)?

Bas Rutten coached the Anacondas team in the International Fight League.

What is considered the most famous aspect of Bas Rutten's striking?

The most famous aspect of his striking was his skill in targeting the opponent's liver with punches, knees, and kicks to incapacitate them.

How did Bas Rutten's grappling style evolve, and what influences shaped it?

His grappling style evolved from basic defensive techniques learned from Chris Dolman, copying Pancrase trainings, and adopting the principles of Japanese shoot wrestling (Catch wrestling), focusing on chokeholds and leglocks.

What is Bas Rutten's current place of residence?

Bas Rutten currently lives in Austin, Texas.

How many children does Bas Rutten have, and when did he become a grandfather?

Bas Rutten has three children: two daughters from his current wife Karin, and one daughter from his first wife. He became a grandfather for the first time at the end of 2015.

What is Bas Rutten's religious affiliation, and when did he return to practicing it?

Bas Rutten is a practicing Catholic. He returned to the faith in 2013, having previously practiced it in his youth.

What is the purpose of Bas Rutten's tattoos?

Each of Bas Rutten's tattoos is intended to help him spiritually and emotionally.

Describe one of Bas Rutten's notable street fights.

In Russia, Bas Rutten once threw Paul Varelans through a glass window using a kimura lock when Varelans attempted to bite him, and then disarmed and assaulted an armed bouncer. He also got into a brawl in Sweden that led to his arrest.

What is Bas Rutten's record in his kickboxing career, and what was the nature of his wins?

Bas Rutten's kickboxing record was 16 fights, with 14 wins, all of which were by knockout, and 13 of those in the first round. He had 2 losses.

What is Bas Rutten's overall MMA record, including wins, losses, and draws?

Bas Rutten's professional MMA record is 33 matches, with 28 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.

What was Bas Rutten's record in the UFC, and what was his notable achievement there?

Bas Rutten was undefeated in his UFC career with a record of 2-0. He won the UFC Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first Dutch champion in UFC history.

What was Bas Rutten's record in Pancrase?

Bas Rutten's record in Pancrase was 21 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with an unbeaten streak of 19 fights towards the end of his tenure.

What title did Bas Rutten hold in Pancrase?

Bas Rutten held the King of Pancrase Openweight Championship, which he won once and defended twice. He also unified the interim title.

What is Bas Rutten's fighting style described as?

His fighting style is described as well-rounded, excelling in both striking and grappling, with an aggressive yet technical stand-up game and a strong submission game.

What was Bas Rutten's role in the movie *Here Comes the Boom*?

In *Here Comes the Boom*, Bas Rutten played Niko, a former MMA fighter and Dutch immigrant who helps train the protagonist, Scott (Kevin James), in exchange for help with his US citizenship.

What was Bas Rutten's record in his kickboxing career, specifically regarding knockouts?

In his kickboxing career, Bas Rutten won 14 out of his 16 fights, with all 14 wins coming by knockout, and 13 of those in the first round.

What was Bas Rutten's record in his MMA career, broken down by method of victory?

Bas Rutten's MMA record includes 28 wins: 11 by knockout, 14 by submission, and 3 by decision. He had 4 losses: 3 by submission and 1 by decision, along with 1 draw.

What was Bas Rutten's record in his MMA career, specifically regarding submission wins?

Bas Rutten achieved 14 submission wins in his MMA career.

What was Bas Rutten's record in his MMA career, specifically regarding decision wins?

Bas Rutten achieved 3 decision wins in his MMA career.

Bas Rutten Wiki: El Guapo's Chronicle: The Unrivaled Career of Bas Rutten

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Bas Rutten: The Man Behind the Legend

Early Life & Adversity

Born Sebastiaan Rutten on February 24, 1965, in Tilburg, Netherlands, Bas faced significant childhood challenges. He battled severe eczema and asthma, which led to him being bullied relentlessly. This adversity forged a resilience that would define his later career. His fascination with martial arts ignited after seeing Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon, sparking a lifelong pursuit of combat disciplines.

Martial Arts Foundation

Initially forbidden by his parents, Rutten eventually pursued martial arts, earning black belts in Kyokushin Karate and Taekwondo. His early training also included boxing. This diverse foundation in striking arts, coupled with his experiences as a bouncer, shaped his unique fighting approach.

The "El Guapo" Persona

Rutten adopted the moniker "El Guapo", Spanish for "The Handsome One," a nickname that perfectly captured his charismatic yet formidable presence. This persona, combined with his signature "Rutten Jump" split celebration, became synonymous with his exciting fighting style.

Kickboxing Prowess

Dominant Debut

Rutten began his professional kickboxing career at age 20. He achieved remarkable success early on, winning his first 14 matches, with an astonishing 13 victories coming by way of first-round knockout. This early dominance showcased his devastating striking power.

Career Record & Transition

His kickboxing career concluded with a record of 16 fights, 14 wins (14 KOs), and 2 losses. After a controversial loss in his final kickboxing bout, Rutten decided to transition his focus towards mixed martial arts, seeking a more comprehensive challenge.

Mixed Martial Arts Mastery

Pancrase Pioneer

Rutten's MMA journey began in Japan with Pancrase, a promotion known for its "hybrid wrestling" style. He quickly made a name for himself, becoming a three-time King of Pancrase Openweight Champion. His tenure was marked by a remarkable 22-fight unbeaten streak, showcasing his evolving grappling skills and resilience.

UFC Heavyweight Champion

In 1998, Rutten entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with significant hype. He captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Kevin Randleman via split decision at UFC 20. Though he vacated the title due to injury, his UFC career cemented his status as a world-class competitor.

Hall of Fame Recognition

In recognition of his immense contributions and legendary status, Bas Rutten was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2015, becoming the first European pioneer to receive this honor. Sherdog and Fight Matrix also recognized his achievements, inducting him into their respective Halls of Fame and naming him Fighter of the Year in 1996.

Professional Wrestling Ventures

Japanese Wrestling Circuit

Following his MMA career, Rutten ventured into Japanese professional wrestling, competing in promotions like Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He adapted his skills to the theatrical style of pro wrestling, participating in tag-team matches and singles bouts.

NJPW Appearances

At NJPW, Rutten was part of Antonio Inoki's MMA army, facing established wrestlers and adapting his striking, even learning the "shining wizard" move. He challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Championships, demonstrating his versatility across different combat sports disciplines.

Life After Fighting

Acting and Media Appearances

Post-retirement, Rutten transitioned into acting, securing roles in television shows like Martial Law and The King of Queens, as well as various films. He also lent his voice and motion-capture talents to video games, notably Grand Theft Auto IV.

Commentary and Coaching

Rutten became a prominent color commentator for major MMA organizations, including Pride Fighting Championships and Karate Combat, known for his insightful analysis and humor. He also transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise and contributing to the development of new talent.

Signature Fighting Style

Striking Powerhouse

Rutten's style was a formidable blend of Dutch Muay Thai, Karate, and Taekwondo. He was renowned for his aggressive striking, particularly his devastating liver shots (punches, kicks, and knees) which he popularized in MMA. His palm strikes, learned from his bouncer days to protect his hands, were also a signature weapon.

Submission Grappling

While initially lacking ground experience, Rutten dedicated himself to improving his grappling, learning from Pancrase practitioners. He developed a strong submission game, focusing on chokeholds and leglocks, which allowed him to counter opponents and secure numerous victories on the ground.

Tactical Acumen

Beyond raw power, Rutten possessed significant tactical intelligence. He effectively used push kicks to unbalance opponents, capitalized on openings, and demonstrated impressive submission defense. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges, even after setbacks, underscored his mental fortitude.

Distinguished Accolades

Major Championships

Rutten's championship pedigree includes:

UFC Heavyweight Champion (1999)
King of Pancrase Openweight Champion (3-time)

Hall of Fame & Honors

His legacy is recognized through:

UFC Hall of Fame (Pioneer Wing, 2015)
Sherdog Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2014)
International Sports Hall of Fame (2018)
Fight Matrix Fighter of the Year (1996)

Notable Recognitions

He also received:

UFC Fight of the Night (vs. Tsuyoshi Kohsaka)
Ranked #4 Greatest MMA Fighter of All Time by Inside MMA (2008)
Undefeated in the UFC (2-0)

Filmography Highlights

Acting Roles

Rutten has appeared in numerous films and television shows, often playing tough or action-oriented characters. Notable appearances include:

Shadow Fury (2001)
The Eliminator (2004)
The King of Queens (TV Series)
Here Comes the Boom (2012)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)

Video Game Contributions

His likeness and talents have been featured in video games:

WCW vs. the World (1997) - Character: Thunder Dome
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) - Voice and Motion Capture
EA Sports MMA (2010) - Voice
EA Sports UFC 2 (2016) - Playable Character

Television & Documentaries

Rutten has also featured in:

Martial Law (TV Series)
Inside MMA (TV Series) - Co-host
The Smashing Machine (Documentary) - Himself
Karate Combat (TV Series) - Commentator

Instructional Works

Combat Training Materials

Bas Rutten has authored and produced several instructional materials sharing his expertise:

Bas Rutten's Big Book of Combat, Volumes One and Two
Bas Rutten's MMA Workout
Bas Rutten's Lethal Street Fighting
Bas Rutten's Superior Free Fight Techniques

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References

The 10 Best Signature Moves in MMA. Bas Rutten's liver shot is #1.

1991 Bas Rutten vs Frank Lobman (12-02-1991). YouTube.com. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.

T NATION | MMA Legend Bas Rutten. Tmuscle.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-15.

Dana White Surprises Bas Rutten w/ UFC Hall of Fame Invitation. YouTube (22 May 2015). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.

GTA4: Rutten is hilarious. Mmamania.com (29 April 2008). Retrieved on 26 January 2016.

Zeidler, Benjamin (17 June 2008) Bas in GTA4. mmamadness.com

Villarreal, Adam. Who's the Bas? proelite.com

The Faith of a Fighter: An Interview with MMA Legend Bas Rutten Sam Guzman, catholicgentleman.net (January 2017)

MMA Awards. Fight Matrix. Retrieved on 26 January 2016.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Bas Rutten Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports or career advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding athletic training, career development, or legal matters. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

El Guapo's Chronicle

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Bas Rutten: The Man Behind the Legend 👤

👶 Early Life & Adversity

🥋 Martial Arts Foundation

🌟 The "El Guapo" Persona

Kickboxing Prowess 🥊

💥 Dominant Debut

⚖️ Career Record & Transition

Mixed Martial Arts Mastery 🥋

🇯🇵 Pancrase Pioneer

🇺🇸 UFC Heavyweight Champion

🏆 Hall of Fame Recognition

Professional Wrestling Ventures 🤼

🤼‍♂️ Japanese Wrestling Circuit

🤼‍♀️ NJPW Appearances

Life After Fighting 🎬

🎬 Acting and Media Appearances

🎤 Commentary and Coaching

Signature Fighting Style ⚡

👊 Striking Powerhouse

🔗 Submission Grappling

🧠 Tactical Acumen

Distinguished Accolades 🏆

🏅 Major Championships

🌟 Hall of Fame & Honors

⭐ Notable Recognitions

Filmography Highlights 🎥

🎬 Acting Roles

🎮 Video Game Contributions

📺 Television & Documentaries

Instructional Works 📚

📖 Combat Training Materials

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Bas Rutten: The Man Behind the Legend

Early Life & Adversity

Martial Arts Foundation

The "El Guapo" Persona

Kickboxing Prowess

Dominant Debut

Career Record & Transition

Mixed Martial Arts Mastery

Pancrase Pioneer

UFC Heavyweight Champion

Hall of Fame Recognition

Professional Wrestling Ventures

Japanese Wrestling Circuit

NJPW Appearances

Life After Fighting

Acting and Media Appearances

Commentary and Coaching

Signature Fighting Style

Striking Powerhouse

Submission Grappling

Tactical Acumen

Distinguished Accolades

Major Championships

Hall of Fame & Honors

Notable Recognitions

Filmography Highlights

Acting Roles

Video Game Contributions

Television & Documentaries

Instructional Works

Combat Training Materials

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice